Public Meetings - Texarkana, Arkansas

On October 29, 2025, the Texarkana, Arkansas city meeting convened with a quorum present. The body approved the previous meeting’s minutes, amended the entertainment district ordinance with new operating hours and alcohol-related rules, directed follow-up consultation on the district, and adjourned. Consent Calendar - The summarized minutes from the September meeting were adopted by voice vote, with all in favor. Discussion Items - Entertainment District Revisions: A member moved to amend Section 2882 (the entertainment district ordinance) by: - Changing hours of operation to 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday. - Adding language after the existing “no open containers containing alcohol may be carried into any business establishment” provision to state that no outside alcohol may be consumed in the district. - Adding language allowing alcohol consumption after 10 p.m. closing on the sidewalk in front of the individual establishment. - The motion was seconded and passed after a roll-call vote. Key Outcomes - The September meeting minutes were approved. - The entertainment district ordinance was amended as described, and the motion passed. - The body directed the planning commissioner to seek advice from the public works director and the chief of police concerning the entertainment district within 90 days and to add it to a future agenda for discussion. One member observed that colder weather may reduce crowds and that discussion might occur next summer. - The meeting adjourned by motion and second.

On October 28, 2025, at 14:29 UTC, the Texarkana Historic District Commission convened with five members present (Michael Hendrix, Jamie Simmons, Dave Jones, Kristen Durham, and Chair Greg Gallagher) and two absent (Jeff Brown and Natasha Crab). A quorum was established. The agenda included roll call, adoption of minutes, and one certificate of appropriateness request. Discussion Items - Adoption of Summarized Minutes: The commission reviewed and amended the minutes from a previous meeting regarding a door replacement approval. The prior approval allowed a 36-inch door only if it fit within the existing opening without altering the brickwork. The minutes were amended to reflect this condition precisely. The amended minutes were approved by unanimous roll call vote. - Certificate of Appropriateness – Outdoor Seating Area (Chris Fuller): Chris Fuller, 3704 Hillside Drive, Texarkana, Texas, requested design approval for an outdoor seating area on the vacant lot adjacent to The Eagle Wine and Bourbon Bar, located in the Original City Historic District and the 100 Block Broad National Historic Register District. The proposal included a lean-to canopy with a tin roof, four beams, a black wrought iron fence, and gravel fill. Commissioners asked about materials, structural support, and fire code compliance. The applicant stated that egress issues would be addressed. No opposition was voiced. A motion to approve as submitted passed unanimously (5-0). - Commissioner Reports and Auditorium Update: Chair Greg Gallagher reported on a successful "Elvis and Friends" concert at the Municipal Auditorium, which sold out 150 tickets and included VIP tables, with sponsors Leadwell and Farmers Bank. He noted that the city has been requested to include funds in the budget for a feasibility study for an elevator and restroom restoration to improve ADA accessibility. He also highlighted a contract for back wall repair ($68,000) funded by a historic preservation grant with matching funds from the Patterson Troy Foundation and Main Street Arkansas. Jamie Simmons designed a logo for the auditorium, and an educational program for elementary students has been developed. Commissioners expressed support and will continue restoration efforts. Key Outcomes - Amended and approved the summarized minutes from previous meeting (unanimous roll call vote). - Approved the certificate of appropriateness for an outdoor seating area at the lot adjacent to The Eagle (unanimous roll call vote, 5-0). - No other formal decisions were made.

The Texarkana Arkansas Advertising and Promotion (AMP) Commission held a regular meeting on October 21, 2025. The main agenda items included tabling a funding application, reviewing proposed amendments to the commission's bylaws, declaring a vacancy, and a report on delinquent taxes. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Brewer. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were identified. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - AMP Funding Application: A motion was made and seconded to table the review of an AMP funding application and recipient package to the next meeting to allow members more time to review. The motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Meals, Homes, Right, Dotson, Rure all yes). - Bylaw Amendments (First Reading): The commission discussed several proposed amendments to the AMP bylaws, which must be presented at one meeting and passed at the next. Key amendments included: - Prepared Food Definition: Proposed language to define prepared food consistent with Arkansas state tax law. The definition would apply to convenience stores selling items like hot dogs. A commissioner expressed support, noting the commission already taxes convenience stores for prepared food. No objection was raised. - Quorum and Majority Vote (Article 2, Section 5): Proposed changing from requiring unanimous consent of a quorum to a majority vote of members present and voting. This stems from a prior incident where one commissioner's negative vote prevented a reappointment. Some commissioners (e.g., Mr. Jewel) argued this could allow three members to dictate decisions when only four are present, while others supported majority rule to prevent a single member from blocking actions. No final decision was made. - Suspension of Rules (Article 2, Section 8): Proposed provision allowing suspension of rules by a two-thirds vote of members present. After discussion, it was considered unnecessary and likely to be deleted. - Officer Succession (Chairman Pro Temp): Proposed adding a chairman pro temp to create a three-tier succession (chair, vice chair, pro temp) with two-year terms. Some commissioners felt this was overly complicated, while others supported it as a contingency. No decision reached. - Fund Balance Reserve (Article 8): Proposed maintaining a minimum fund balance of $150,000, with any expenditure dropping below that requiring a two-thirds vote of the commission. This was generally supported. - Membership Attendance (Article 1): Clarification that missing three meetings without just cause could lead to removal. The chairman noted just cause would be determined by the chairman. A commissioner raised potential conflict with city manager removal powers, but the attorney agreed to review. - Delinquent A&P Taxes: A report on delinquent hotel and motel taxes was presented for information. Discussion included potential use of business licenses or certificate of occupancy enforcement to encourage timely tax remittance. No action was taken. - Vacancy Declaration: Chairman Brewer announced the resignation of Commissioner Lisa Vandergraf (effective September 2025) and declared a vacancy on the AMP commission. The commission will run a public notice and advertisement to fill the position. Key Outcomes - Funding Application Tabled: The AMP funding application and recipient package were tabled to the next meeting (January 2025) for further review and a vote. - Bylaw Amendments – First Reading: All proposed bylaw amendments were presented as a first reading. Separate votes on each clause will occur at the next regular meeting (January 2025) for final adoption, including decisions on prepared food definition, quorum/vote rules, suspension of rules, officer succession, fund balance reserve, and attendance policy. - Vacancy Declared: One vacancy on the AMP commission was declared due to resignation. The commission will advertise and accept nominations for appointment by the city board. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, with a roll call vote (Meals, Jewel, Homes, Right, Brewer all yes).

The Texarkana Advertising and Promotion (A&P) Commission convened on October 21, 2025, with a quorum present. The meeting focused heavily on the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the potential issuance of a $7 million bond for park improvements at World Park, and a detailed performance review from the city's contracted advertising agency, Horal Brand Kind. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Discussion Items FY 2026 Budget and Proposed Park Bond - Tyler (staff) presented the FY 2026 budget. The budget reflects a projected fund balance of approximately $331,000, including a $750,000 bond payment for a 15-year park improvement project (turf fields and associated infrastructure at World Park). The budget also reflects the commission's decision to not allocate funding for external organizations, resulting in zero-grant lines, with expenses limited to contracted obligations (legal, advertising, Rec Center, salaries, etc.). - Extensive discussion occurred regarding the bond. Tyler explained that the commission had previously given consensus to proceed, but no formal vote was taken. Commissioner George noted he was not at the previous meeting. The body agreed to place a formal vote on proceeding with the bond on the next meeting's agenda. - Commissioners debated the economic impact of the project. Staff noted that Texarkana, Texas conducted a study questioning the return on a similar investment. Tyler offered to run an economic impact analysis using IMPLAN software to provide concrete data. He will also share the Texas-side study. - A commissioner expressed full support for the project, citing potential benefits such as increased tax revenue, youth engagement, and decreased crime. Other commissioners expressed apprehension and questioned the "squeeze" of the bond payment reducing available grant funds to $150,000 annually, down from $2 million distributed previously. - Discussion touched on the current usage of the fields (Rec league only, not open to the general public) and the need for hotels/restaurants on the Arkansas side near I-30/I-49 to capture tourism dollars. Staff clarified that the Chamber of Commerce handles retail and hotel recruitment. Advertising Agency Report (Horal Brand Kind) - Danny Hamblett of Horal Brand Kind presented a performance report since the firm began working with the commission in 2024. Key metrics included over 4 million total impressions, high organic search traffic to the new "Experience Texarkana" website, and strong engagement on social media posts promoting local events (Picklefest, Air Show, State Line photo spot). - Danny discussed geofencing ads targeting rest stops and visitor centers, and the distribution of a printed visitor guide to 12 travel centers across Arkansas. - Agency representatives recommended strengthening the partnership program with local businesses in the hotel/restaurant tax district through window clings and regular visits. - Commissioners discussed the potential for creating promotional packages (e.g., QR codes/discounts) for tournament visitors to drive local foot traffic. A restaurant owner on the commission noted he did not see an impact from recent tournaments, while a bowling alley owner did. The agency offered to help facilitate a stronger connection between the A&P fund and local businesses. - The agency expressed a desire to develop metrics that directly tie advertising efforts to tax revenue (ROI), which the commission strongly supported. - A commissioner praised the agency's "5 Things to Do" social media posts. Key Outcomes - Budget Approved: The commission voted to approve the FY 2026 budget. The motion carried (6-0). (Roll call: Meals: Yes, Jewel: Yes, Homes: Yes, Right: Yes, Dotson: Yes, Brewer: Yes. Dotson's presence was noted for the record despite being initially absent). - Bond Vote Scheduled: The commission agreed to schedule a formal vote on issuing the $7 million park bond at the next regular meeting. An economic impact report from staff is expected prior to the vote. - Agency Direction: The advertising agency was directed to prepare an economic impact projection for the park bond using their IMPLAN software and to continue developing the business partnership program. - Application Review Tabled: The item to review and amend the A&P funding application and recipient package was introduced but no action was taken.

The Texarcana, Arkansas Board of Directors held its regular meeting on October 20, 2025. Assistant Mayor Laney Harris presided in the absence of Mayor Brown. The board addressed a police vehicle purchase, property rezoning, code corrections, and community outreach for a street bond initiative. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes from the regular meeting on October 6, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. May (1716 Pearl Street): Expressed gratitude for prior city work but raised concerns about a fence damaged by city equipment and a severely overgrown adjacent lot attracting pests. He requested city inspection and remediation. Discussion Items - City Manager Q&A (Assistant Mayor Harris): - Seba/Washington Street Bridge: City Manager stated the city is awaiting an Arkansas Department of Transportation (R DOT) engineering study; a prior grant for replacement has expired, and replacement would require direct city funding. - Housing Study: A city-specific, detailed housing study was not budgeted for 2025 but may be considered for the 2026 budget. - Proclamation: Assistant Mayor Harris proclaimed November 2025 as Business Appreciation Month, an annual recognition of local business contributions. - Item 3: Police Vehicle Fleet Purchase: Police representative Officer White presented a request to purchase seven (7) 2026 Ford Explorer Police Hybrid Intercept vehicles from McLarty Ford. The per-vehicle cost was cited at $43,973.75. The resolution text mistakenly listed the total price as $37,816.25 (a discrepancy, as the stated per-vehicle cost implies a total of $307,816.25 for seven vehicles). Funding would come from salary savings. Discussion included fleet maintenance costs of roughly $130,000 annually, $7,500 hybrid battery replacements outside warranty, and a replacement goal at 80,000 miles to retain resale value. - Item 4: Nuisance Overgrowth Liens: Following a public hearing, the board certified incurred code-enforcement expenses plus a 10% penalty to the Miller County Tax Collector for collection as delinquent taxes on specified properties. - Item 5: Rezoning of Properties on Oak Street: An ordinance was adopted rezoning 1612 and 1602 North Oak Street from Manufacturing (M1) to Low Density Residential (R3). The property owners (the Hawkins family) stated they plan to build a residence within a year. The planning commission reported no opposition. - Item 6: Accessory Building Setback Amendment: An ordinance was adopted to correct a zoning discrepancy, reducing the required distance between accessory structures and principal buildings from 15 feet to 10 feet to match existing code and enforcement practices. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Item 3 (Vehicle Purchase): Resolution passed unanimously. All present board members voted in favor. Note: The transcript initially records Director Kruger at roll call, but all subsequent recorded votes list Director Brewer instead of Director Kruger. - Item 4 (Overgrowth Liens): Resolution passed unanimously. - Item 5 (Oak Street Rezoning): Ordinance passed unanimously on three readings; takes effect in 30 days (no emergency clause). - Item 6 (Accessory Structures): Ordinance passed unanimously on three readings. Announcements & Community Outreach - Street Bond Town Hall Meetings: Ward meetings were announced to discuss the street bond issue: - Ward 1: Oct 21, 5:30 PM, Life House Church. - Ward 3: Oct 23, 6:00 PM, Iron Mountain Center. - Ward 4: Oct 28, 5:30 PM, Recreation Center. - Ward 6: Oct 30, 6:00 PM, Sugar Hill Church. - Ward 5: Nov 6, 5:30 PM, Central Baptist Church. - Ward 2: Date and locations pending. - Workshop: City Manager announced a workshop on October 23 at 4:00 PM regarding the Liquor by the Glass ordinance. - Planning Commission: Special meeting scheduled for October 28 at 6:00 PM at City Hall on the Entertainment District.